Port 4: The East isolates itself from this Western exploration nonsense.
Author:
Tokugawa Shogunate
Place and Time:
Japan, 1635
Prior Knowledge:
The closure of getting ride of Christianity.
Audience:
Officers administrating the busy port of Nagasaki
Reason:
Wanted to get rid of Christians because it violated their own god. They wanted to preserve their culture.
The Main Idea
To close off all contact with the outside world.
Significance:
It shows that it did not have a change at suppressing other countries.
PORT 3: Some impacts of Europe's Age of Exploration
1. Identify the causes of African slavery.
At the start of the 1500s, European colonists in the Americas who needed cheap labor began using enslaved Africans on plantations and farms. Although slavery had existed in Africa for centuries, in most regions, it was a relatively minor institution. The spread of Islam into Africa during the seventh century, however, conducted an increase in slavery and slave trade. Furthermore, the Portuguese contributed on the cause of African slavery. After the colonization of the Americas, natives began dying in millions. The Europeans found an advantage in using Africans in the Americas. Africans were already exposed to European diseases and had built immunity to it. Also, Africans were experienced farmers who were less likely to escape because they did not know their way around the new land. Additionally, their skin color made it easier to capture them if they tried to escape. Spain moved on from the Caribbean and began to colonized the American mainland. As a result, the Spanish imported and enslaved thousands of Africans and employed them as laborers.
2. Explain the Triangular Trade Route.
Africans transported to the Americas were part of a transatlantic trading network, known as the triangular trade For one trade route, Europeans exported manufactured goods and guns to the west coast of Africa. There, traders exchanged these goods for captured Africans. These Africans were then transported across the Atlantic and sold in the West Indies. Merchants bought sugar, coffee, and tobacco in the West Indies and sailed to Europe with these products. Another route held merchants carrying rum and other goods from the New England colonies to be sold in Africa. In Africa, these goods were exchanged for slaves, gold, rum, sugar,and molasses. The traders transported the Africans to the West Indies and sold them for sugar and molasses. They then sold these goods to rum producers in New England.
3. Identify the consequences of the slave trade.
The Atlantic slave trade had a intense impact on both Africa and the Americas. Numerous cultures lost generation of their fittest members in Africa to European traders and plantation owners. In addition, countless African families were torn apart, many of them were never reunited. The slave trade introduced guns into the continent, which devastated African societies in another way. Being unwilling participants in the growth of the colonies, African slaves contributed greatly in the economic and cultural development of the Americas. Their labor was their greatest contribution. Africans brought their culture: art, music, religion, and food into the American societies.
Port 2: Starting the Voyage
October 9,2011
Is there evidence here that Zhu Di truly did not understand what was happening to his rule?
Zhu Di truly did not understand what was happening to his rule as he was also convinced by the belief of Chinese emperors that they ruled with the mandate of heaven. As the Chinese during this time lacked the adequate scientific capacity to understand and de-mystify natural phenomenon, Zhu Di, along with the rest of his people, failed to comprehend the natural phenomenons and take them as unfortunate coincidences. For instance, the almighty, god-appointed emperor Zhu Di would not have issued an edict to his people following the calamity. Regarding the high status of the emperors, his statement, “My heart is full of trepidation, I do not know how to handle it,” gains support that he really could not understand the natural phenomenon, especially considering his honest admittance of his fear.
List all the things that happened to the old emperor near the end of his life.
Political problems
- strained economy because of his grandiose construction projects
- large scale rebellions in Annam and Vietnam because of the denuding of hardwood forests; Zhu Di failed to suppress the rebellion.
- lost control of his cabinet especially the Mandarin members of his cabinet
- diplomatic crisis: Mongol leader Arughtai’s refusal to pay the tribute; Zhu Di failed to punish Arughtai. Moreover, he lost competent ministers in the process of - pursuing this military conquest against Arughtai.
"All voyages of the treasure ships are to be stopped." Explain how this edict changed the history of not only China but of the WORLD. How did this leave the "door" open for Europe to take center stage now?
The edict of Zhu Di’s son, Zhu Gaozhi, changed the entire flow of chinese policies from international to domestic. Unlike his father, Zhu Gaozhi abandoned all navigation and adventure projects which granted China the ability to refine its navy and expand its opportunities abroad. Instead, he focused on domestic affairs; however, his attempted did not stop at recovering China’s weak economy. He went as far as to completely rid China of the opportunities to step into the modern times with an upper hand in international relations. This change of flow in China also affected the rest of the world as it opened the “door” to center stage as China’s void in the sea attracted competent European navy to explore and colonize the abundant and resourceful parts of the world. Therefore, China’s abrupt decision to drastically change the direction of its policies not only moved China towards its unfortunate relationship with the western colonialists later in history, but also paved the roads for European dominance of modern history.
Compare and Contrast: Yuan and Ming Dynasties
Relating to size, the Yuan Dynasty held much more land than the Ming Dynasty. The Yuan Dynasty conquered land up in the north as well as in the west. Compared to other dynasties, both Yuan and Ming Dynasties held a similar style of land owning (e.g. not having multiple dynasties during one time period and both being relatively large in land-owning size). The Ming Dynasty held great power; vassal states from Korea to Southeast Asia paid their Ming overlords regular tribute (a payment by one country to another to acknowledge its submission). The Ming Dynasty expected Europeans to do the same. Ming rulers brought peace and prosperity to China when they ended Mongol rule, and were not going to allow outsiders from distant lands to threaten this tranquility. Having a extremely vast territory, the Yuan had frequent economic and cultural exchanges amount different nationalities, and the Hui nationality was formed during this period.
European Urban Pop.
In the 1400s, the new capital would be 2,500,000 people. In the 1600s, the new capital would be 12,500,000 people.
Compare and Contrast:The map of the great walled capital Zhu Di built and the map of modern China
I believe that this is where the previous location of the inner and outer city was. Currently, many hotels, art gallerys, museums, parks, and churchs have taken up this space, being one of the sightseeing locations for many.
Missed Classwork (October 5th)- What route might they have all taken? Describe it...
I believe that the Holy Roman Empire might have sailed through the Mediterranean Sea to the west and down and around Africa (by the Atlantic Ocean). They would sail through the Atlantic Ocean until they reached India, in which they would start walking by foot to China. They would have to walk all the way to Beijing.
China: A Missed Opportunity for Global Dominance
1. On what philosophical assumptions are the Hongwu emperor’s words and actions based?
The emperor has the philosophical assumption that human nature is selfish and evil, and requires saving through punishments. He states that those with power abuse their power, arguing for to their selfish nature, as he refers to “those of you,” rather than “some of you.”Moreover, his action coneys that he believes in punishments as the correcting force for such selfish behavior, since he uses physical punishments to reverse the expression of selfish human nature.
2. Do you think that his actions will solve the problems he refers to? Why or why not?
Yes, I think that his actions will solve the problems he refers to because it will correct their behavior by discouraging the people and the position of power to execute their selfish desires.
3. Does the emperor’s approach to solving the problem of evil behavior in this excerpt differ from that in the first? If so, how?
The emperor’s approach in the first excerpt and the second complement each other. The first refers to the action required after someone engages in “evil” behavior while the second discusses methods to prevent from falling for such temptations.
4. On what philosophical assumptions are Hongwu’s words here based? Think Chinese philosophy.
Hongwu’s words are based on the Chinese philosophy on Confucianism, as he discusses the path of action for “the true gentlemen,” or gunzi. Moreover, he discusses the code of behavior similar to that of Confucianism, in which one must steer away from selfishness and greed.
5. As an official, what would be your reaction to the emperor’s admonitions?
As an official, I would be annoyed by the emperor’s coercions attempting to control my behavior. However, considering that he is an emperor, I would follow his order and correct my behavior based on his admonitions.
6. The emperor clearly holds himself up as a model of self-restraint for his officials to emulate. As an official, how would you take this?
As an official, I would try to live up to his standards and emulate his behavior. However, his attitude would prompt me to become more critical of his behavior; I would be greatly disappointed if his actions fall short of his words.
7. Would your reaction be changed if you suddenly learned that the Hongwu emperor had dozens of concubines and consorts, with whom he fathered twenty-six sons and sixteen daughters?
Upon learning his complex family history, my attitude would be changed. I would no longer attempt to emulate his behavior; rather, I would use his example as a man who falls for his selfish desires and moves away from the code of behavior for a “true gentlemen.” His example would allow me to motivate myself to follow the Confucius ideal of “the true gentlemen.”
1. How did the Ottomans treat non-Muslims?
Simply stated, non-Muslims were treated terribly. Whether they were being subjected to arbitrary laws, facing brutal punishment, or starving from lack of food, non-Muslims had a hard time getting along in the Ottoman Empire.
2. What were Suleyman's major accomplishments?
Suleyman brought the Ottoman Empire to its greatest size and most impressive achievements.He ruled his empire with a highly structured government. Not only was he successful in executives, Suleyman was responsible for a proliferation of art and literature that is greatly valued even today. He was an excellent architect, building many fine buildings in his capital.
3. Despite their brilliant rule, what critical mistake did Suleiman and Shah Abbas make?Both Suleiman and Shah Abbas made critical mistakes in killing their own sons. Suleiman and Shal Abbas ruled their empire brilliantly, bringing their success to the top, but they both feared that their son's would seize power from them. Both men made a decision of killing their son. As a result, a weak and ineffective ruler became the next heir to take Suleiman and Shah Abbas' place. Under these poor leaders, the empire's power slipped.
4. What evidence of cultural blending can you find in Akbar's rule?Akbar was a Muslim who believed strongly that people should be allowed to follow the religion they chose. He set an example by letting his wives practice whatever religion they chose. In his government as well, Akbar hired people based on their ability and not their religion. Both Hindus and Muslims gained jobs as government workers. 5. How did Akbar's successors contribute to the end of the Mughal Empire?After Akbar's death in 1605, the empire began to decline. During the reign of Jahangir, the real power was his wife, Nur Jahan. She was an able ruler but had a bitter political battle with one of Jahangir's sons. The son did not support Akbar's policies. Jahangir's successor was Shah Jahan, and he too chose not to follow Akbar's policy of religious toleration. These small rebellions led to a destruction of the empire.
Renaissance’s role of opening of the mind in Europe
The Renaissance contributed to the opening of the mind in europe by shifting the societal from the divine to the humans. The Renaissance was a time of revival of the classical ideas in Italy. During the Medieval ages, people focused on religion but during the Renaissance, humanist ideas spread, leading people to value human abilities and potential. Such emphasis on humans led to opening the minds of the Europeans to facilitate innovative endeavors. Leonardo da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, inventor, and scientist. He was a true “Renaissance man” who was deeply interested in how things worked. Leonardo helped “open the mind” in Europe by adjusting people’s minds from the divine to the human abilities and achievements. He did this buy contributing his ideas on the how the human body is structured and incorporating his findings in art. In 1513, Niccolo Machiavelli wrote The Prince, which pointed out the flaws of human beings. He is evidence in the contribution of opening of the mind in europe because he stated that a prince must be strong and take power in order to succeed, whereas before, people believed that the authority came from God. Therefore, Renaissance plays a big role in opening the mind in europe.
Why does Europe gain dominance? (In-class Question)
Looking back into history, Europe is a great influence to the world. Other countries gained respect for European traditions, way of living, government style, and overall all the characteristics that make up Europe and introduced them to their own country. Many new technologies were discovered along with many crops and raw materials that would later be exposed to some of Asia. As another illustration, the artistic styles that evolved in 18th- and 19th-century Europe were widely imitated and adapted in the colonies and the new independent states. Not only art and culture, but Europes mosts significant event that is another way of defining the country from a different perspective is their foundation of America. Also, after Europe believed that the universe was heliocentric, meaning that the center of of the universe is the sun, the thoughts of people have changed and has started to question the church.
PG 37-39 Q&A
1. How did the cities of Italy help create the Renaissance?
Cities were often places where people exchanged new ideas; so they were an ideal breeding ground for an intellectual revolution. As the bubonic plague hit the urban centers hard, surviving laborers could demand higher wages and better treatments, increasing individual values.
2. What is your opinion of the Medici family?
I respect the Medici family for accumulating the wealth against the social climate. However, I lose my respect for them as they became what the establish aristocracy represented, such as, personal control of the politics and selfish accumulation of wealth and power. On the other hand, I recognize their parts in promoting Renaissance art through patronage.
3. How did Humanism influence Renaissance ideas?
Humanism emphasizes human potential and achievements. Such emphasis fostered the revival of classical Greek values. These ideals promoted not only secular studies such as history, literature and philosophy but also the arts as under humanists emphasized individual access to beauty.
4. Why did church leaders and wealthy merchants support the arts?
The church leaders and wealthy merchants sponsored arts, as they could assert their own importance through their portraits and art donations. Also, they attempted to beautify Rome.
5. What were the similarities and differences between upper-class Renaissance men and women?
The upper class Renaissance men and women were similar as both were expected to master various fields, ranging from arts to personal life. For instance, a upper class Renaissance man and woman were expected to be charming and witty, as well as well educated in the classics. However, upper-class Renaissance women were not expected to seek fame, nor were they expected to create art, as they were expected to inspire it.
6. After reading the "Analyzing Primary Sources" box, respond to this question: Do the qualities called for in the ideal Renaissance man and woman seem to emphasize the individual or the group? Give evidence in the documents to back up your answer!
These qualities called for in the ideal Renaissance man and woman does not seem to emphasize the individual or the group. Baldassare Castiglione states that the man that they are seeking is "bend, stern, and always among the first." Also, he says "gentle, modest, reserved, above all things avoiding ostentation" These qualities that are expected of a person does not show the true self of an individual. Instead, it shows that the ideal man and woman were expected to be close to being "perfect".
PORT 3: Some impacts of Europe's Age of Exploration
1. Identify the causes of African slavery.
At the start of the 1500s, European colonists in the Americas who needed cheap labor began using enslaved Africans on plantations and farms. Although slavery had existed in Africa for centuries, in most regions, it was a relatively minor institution. The spread of Islam into Africa during the seventh century, however, conducted an increase in slavery and slave trade. Furthermore, the Portuguese contributed on the cause of African slavery. After the colonization of the Americas, natives began dying in millions. The Europeans found an advantage in using Africans in the Americas. Africans were already exposed to European diseases and had built immunity to it. Also, Africans were experienced farmers who were less likely to escape because they did not know their way around the new land. Additionally, their skin color made it easier to capture them if they tried to escape. Spain moved on from the Caribbean and began to colonized the American mainland. As a result, the Spanish imported and enslaved thousands of Africans and employed them as laborers.
2. Explain the Triangular Trade Route.
Africans transported to the Americas were part of a transatlantic trading network, known as the triangular trade For one trade route, Europeans exported manufactured goods and guns to the west coast of Africa. There, traders exchanged these goods for captured Africans. These Africans were then transported across the Atlantic and sold in the West Indies. Merchants bought sugar, coffee, and tobacco in the West Indies and sailed to Europe with these products. Another route held merchants carrying rum and other goods from the New England colonies to be sold in Africa. In Africa, these goods were exchanged for slaves, gold, rum, sugar,and molasses. The traders transported the Africans to the West Indies and sold them for sugar and molasses. They then sold these goods to rum producers in New England.
3. Identify the consequences of the slave trade.
The Atlantic slave trade had a intense impact on both Africa and the Americas. Numerous cultures lost generation of their fittest members in Africa to European traders and plantation owners. In addition, countless African families were torn apart, many of them were never reunited. The slave trade introduced guns into the continent, which devastated African societies in another way. Being unwilling participants in the growth of the colonies, African slaves contributed greatly in the economic and cultural development of the Americas. Their labor was their greatest contribution. Africans brought their culture: art, music, religion, and food into the American societies.
Port 2: Starting the Voyage
October 9,2011
Is there evidence here that Zhu Di truly did not understand what was happening to his rule?
Zhu Di truly did not understand what was happening to his rule as he was also convinced by the belief of Chinese emperors that they ruled with the mandate of heaven. As the Chinese during this time lacked the adequate scientific capacity to understand and de-mystify natural phenomenon, Zhu Di, along with the rest of his people, failed to comprehend the natural phenomenons and take them as unfortunate coincidences. For instance, the almighty, god-appointed emperor Zhu Di would not have issued an edict to his people following the calamity. Regarding the high status of the emperors, his statement, “My heart is full of trepidation, I do not know how to handle it,” gains support that he really could not understand the natural phenomenon, especially considering his honest admittance of his fear.
List all the things that happened to the old emperor near the end of his life.
Political problems
- strained economy because of his grandiose construction projects
- large scale rebellions in Annam and Vietnam because of the denuding of hardwood forests; Zhu Di failed to suppress the rebellion.
- lost control of his cabinet especially the Mandarin members of his cabinet
- diplomatic crisis: Mongol leader Arughtai’s refusal to pay the tribute; Zhu Di failed to punish Arughtai. Moreover, he lost competent ministers in the process of - pursuing this military conquest against Arughtai.
"All voyages of the treasure ships are to be stopped." Explain how this edict changed the history of not only China but of the WORLD. How did this leave the "door" open for Europe to take center stage now?
The edict of Zhu Di’s son, Zhu Gaozhi, changed the entire flow of chinese policies from international to domestic. Unlike his father, Zhu Gaozhi abandoned all navigation and adventure projects which granted China the ability to refine its navy and expand its opportunities abroad. Instead, he focused on domestic affairs; however, his attempted did not stop at recovering China’s weak economy. He went as far as to completely rid China of the opportunities to step into the modern times with an upper hand in international relations. This change of flow in China also affected the rest of the world as it opened the “door” to center stage as China’s void in the sea attracted competent European navy to explore and colonize the abundant and resourceful parts of the world. Therefore, China’s abrupt decision to drastically change the direction of its policies not only moved China towards its unfortunate relationship with the western colonialists later in history, but also paved the roads for European dominance of modern history.
Compare and Contrast: Yuan and Ming Dynasties
Relating to size, the Yuan Dynasty held much more land than the Ming Dynasty. The Yuan Dynasty conquered land up in the north as well as in the west. Compared to other dynasties, both Yuan and Ming Dynasties held a similar style of land owning (e.g. not having multiple dynasties during one time period and both being relatively large in land-owning size). The Ming Dynasty held great power; vassal states from Korea to Southeast Asia paid their Ming overlords regular tribute (a payment by one country to another to acknowledge its submission). The Ming Dynasty expected Europeans to do the same. Ming rulers brought peace and prosperity to China when they ended Mongol rule, and were not going to allow outsiders from distant lands to threaten this tranquility. Having a extremely vast territory, the Yuan had frequent economic and cultural exchanges amount different nationalities, and the Hui nationality was formed during this period.European Urban Pop.
In the 1400s, the new capital would be 2,500,000 people. In the 1600s, the new capital would be 12,500,000 people.
Compare and Contrast:The map of the great walled capital Zhu Di built and the map of modern China
I believe that this is where the previous location of the inner and outer city was. Currently, many hotels, art gallerys, museums, parks, and churchs have taken up this space, being one of the sightseeing locations for many.
Missed Classwork (October 5th)- What route might they have all taken? Describe it...
I believe that the Holy Roman Empire might have sailed through the Mediterranean Sea to the west and down and around Africa (by the Atlantic Ocean). They would sail through the Atlantic Ocean until they reached India, in which they would start walking by foot to China. They would have to walk all the way to Beijing.
China: A Missed Opportunity for Global Dominance
1. On what philosophical assumptions are the Hongwu emperor’s words and actions based?
The emperor has the philosophical assumption that human nature is selfish and evil, and requires saving through punishments. He states that those with power abuse their power, arguing for to their selfish nature, as he refers to “those of you,” rather than “some of you.”Moreover, his action coneys that he believes in punishments as the correcting force for such selfish behavior, since he uses physical punishments to reverse the expression of selfish human nature.
2. Do you think that his actions will solve the problems he refers to? Why or why not?
Yes, I think that his actions will solve the problems he refers to because it will correct their behavior by discouraging the people and the position of power to execute their selfish desires.
3. Does the emperor’s approach to solving the problem of evil behavior in this excerpt differ from that in the first? If so, how?
The emperor’s approach in the first excerpt and the second complement each other. The first refers to the action required after someone engages in “evil” behavior while the second discusses methods to prevent from falling for such temptations.
4. On what philosophical assumptions are Hongwu’s words here based? Think Chinese philosophy.
Hongwu’s words are based on the Chinese philosophy on Confucianism, as he discusses the path of action for “the true gentlemen,” or gunzi. Moreover, he discusses the code of behavior similar to that of Confucianism, in which one must steer away from selfishness and greed.
5. As an official, what would be your reaction to the emperor’s admonitions?
As an official, I would be annoyed by the emperor’s coercions attempting to control my behavior. However, considering that he is an emperor, I would follow his order and correct my behavior based on his admonitions.
6. The emperor clearly holds himself up as a model of self-restraint for his officials to emulate. As an official, how would you take this?
As an official, I would try to live up to his standards and emulate his behavior. However, his attitude would prompt me to become more critical of his behavior; I would be greatly disappointed if his actions fall short of his words.
7. Would your reaction be changed if you suddenly learned that the Hongwu emperor had dozens of concubines and consorts, with whom he fathered twenty-six sons and sixteen daughters?
Upon learning his complex family history, my attitude would be changed. I would no longer attempt to emulate his behavior; rather, I would use his example as a man who falls for his selfish desires and moves away from the code of behavior for a “true gentlemen.” His example would allow me to motivate myself to follow the Confucius ideal of “the true gentlemen.”
__****CarolineMoon- Why did the Muslim world not come to dominate world affairs during this time period?****__
Caroline Moon - Comparing & Contrasting Islam & Christianity
Caroline Moon-9G-Question for Consideration
The Muslim World Expands Q&A
1. How did the Ottomans treat non-Muslims?
Simply stated, non-Muslims were treated terribly. Whether they were being subjected to arbitrary laws, facing brutal punishment, or starving from lack of food, non-Muslims had a hard time getting along in the Ottoman Empire.
2. What were Suleyman's major accomplishments?
Suleyman brought the Ottoman Empire to its greatest size and most impressive achievements.He ruled his empire with a highly structured government. Not only was he successful in executives, Suleyman was responsible for a proliferation of art and literature that is greatly valued even today. He was an excellent architect, building many fine buildings in his capital.
3. Despite their brilliant rule, what critical mistake did Suleiman and Shah Abbas make?Both Suleiman and Shah Abbas made critical mistakes in killing their own sons. Suleiman and Shal Abbas ruled their empire brilliantly, bringing their success to the top, but they both feared that their son's would seize power from them. Both men made a decision of killing their son. As a result, a weak and ineffective ruler became the next heir to take Suleiman and Shah Abbas' place. Under these poor leaders, the empire's power slipped.
4. What evidence of cultural blending can you find in Akbar's rule?Akbar was a Muslim who believed strongly that people should be allowed to follow the religion they chose. He set an example by letting his wives practice whatever religion they chose. In his government as well, Akbar hired people based on their ability and not their religion. Both Hindus and Muslims gained jobs as government workers.
5. How did Akbar's successors contribute to the end of the Mughal Empire?After Akbar's death in 1605, the empire began to decline. During the reign of Jahangir, the real power was his wife, Nur Jahan. She was an able ruler but had a bitter political battle with one of Jahangir's sons. The son did not support Akbar's policies. Jahangir's successor was Shah Jahan, and he too chose not to follow Akbar's policy of religious toleration. These small rebellions led to a destruction of the empire.
Renaissance’s role of opening of the mind in Europe
The Renaissance contributed to the opening of the mind in europe by shifting the societal from the divine to the humans. The Renaissance was a time of revival of the classical ideas in Italy. During the Medieval ages, people focused on religion but during the Renaissance, humanist ideas spread, leading people to value human abilities and potential. Such emphasis on humans led to opening the minds of the Europeans to facilitate innovative endeavors. Leonardo da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, inventor, and scientist. He was a true “Renaissance man” who was deeply interested in how things worked. Leonardo helped “open the mind” in Europe by adjusting people’s minds from the divine to the human abilities and achievements. He did this buy contributing his ideas on the how the human body is structured and incorporating his findings in art. In 1513, Niccolo Machiavelli wrote The Prince, which pointed out the flaws of human beings. He is evidence in the contribution of opening of the mind in europe because he stated that a prince must be strong and take power in order to succeed, whereas before, people believed that the authority came from God. Therefore, Renaissance plays a big role in opening the mind in europe.
Why does Europe gain dominance? (In-class Question)
Looking back into history, Europe is a great influence to the world. Other countries gained respect for European traditions, way of living, government style, and overall all the characteristics that make up Europe and introduced them to their own country. Many new technologies were discovered along with many crops and raw materials that would later be exposed to some of Asia. As another illustration, the artistic styles that evolved in 18th- and 19th-century Europe were widely imitated and adapted in the colonies and the new independent states. Not only art and culture, but Europes mosts significant event that is another way of defining the country from a different perspective is their foundation of America. Also, after Europe believed that the universe was heliocentric, meaning that the center of of the universe is the sun, the thoughts of people have changed and has started to question the church.
PG 37-39 Q&A
1. How did the cities of Italy help create the Renaissance?
Cities were often places where people exchanged new ideas; so they were an ideal breeding ground for an intellectual revolution. As the bubonic plague hit the urban centers hard, surviving laborers could demand higher wages and better treatments, increasing individual values.
2. What is your opinion of the Medici family?
I respect the Medici family for accumulating the wealth against the social climate. However, I lose my respect for them as they became what the establish aristocracy represented, such as, personal control of the politics and selfish accumulation of wealth and power. On the other hand, I recognize their parts in promoting Renaissance art through patronage.
3. How did Humanism influence Renaissance ideas?
Humanism emphasizes human potential and achievements. Such emphasis fostered the revival of classical Greek values. These ideals promoted not only secular studies such as history, literature and philosophy but also the arts as under humanists emphasized individual access to beauty.
4. Why did church leaders and wealthy merchants support the arts?
The church leaders and wealthy merchants sponsored arts, as they could assert their own importance through their portraits and art donations. Also, they attempted to beautify Rome.
5. What were the similarities and differences between upper-class Renaissance men and women?
The upper class Renaissance men and women were similar as both were expected to master various fields, ranging from arts to personal life. For instance, a upper class Renaissance man and woman were expected to be charming and witty, as well as well educated in the classics. However, upper-class Renaissance women were not expected to seek fame, nor were they expected to create art, as they were expected to inspire it.
6. After reading the "Analyzing Primary Sources" box, respond to this question: Do the qualities called for in the ideal Renaissance man and woman seem to emphasize the individual or the group? Give evidence in the documents to back up your answer!
These qualities called for in the ideal Renaissance man and woman does not seem to emphasize the individual or the group. Baldassare Castiglione states that the man that they are seeking is "bend, stern, and always among the first." Also, he says "gentle, modest, reserved, above all things avoiding ostentation" These qualities that are expected of a person does not show the true self of an individual. Instead, it shows that the ideal man and woman were expected to be close to being "perfect".